How We Help

People with disabilities

Martial arts is not just a sport for those already in peak physical shape. It's an excellent sport for kids and adults with disabilities, both
physical and mental. At the heart of the practice, martial arts teaches individuals how to compete with themselves and not with others.
Not everyone cares to, or is equipped to compete against others in a team setting or at a competitive level.

How martial arts benefit those with disabilities

Often times, individuals with disabilities need to work on life skills. Practicing martial arts gives them the opportunity to improve
themselves every day at their own pace and at their own skill level.

Martial arts training can even be an excellent complement to occupational therapy, physical
therapy and speech therapy in that it reinforces what they are learning from their therapists.
Focus, concentration, balance, awareness, core strength as well as spatial awareness all
play a huge roll in both therapies and martial arts. When the two go hand in hand, the result is
amazing.

Inclusion in martial arts is still essential

Martial arts can be a home for everyone, regardless of physical or mental ability, because
everything about martial arts is self-pacing and bettering oneself. That doesn't mean that
students with disabilities, or even students who are just requiring more time to perfect a skill,
are separated from the group. Each student works on themselves within the entire group
setting and no one is left out. However, if you have a personal concern about your child's
needs, please come talk to us. We're always willing to listen to and accommodate as best we
can the needs of our students so they can excel.
Helping kids with...

ADD/ADHD

Studies have shown that multi-faceted physical activities, like martial arts, strengthens the brain and helps those with ADD and ADHD to
practice basic motor and behavioral control. It also teaches consistency and repetition, which can have a calming influence.

Down Syndrome

The techniques in martial arts are tailored to fit the student, rather than having the student fit the technique. Martial arts is excellent for
individuals with Down Syndrome because it helps strengthen their muscles and improve their coordination.

Autism Spectrum

Consistency and repetition are cornerstones of martial arts. These two components create familiarity. This way of teaching works well for
kids on the autism spectrum. They tend to do well in classes because they respond well to this form of teaching. It isn't just about the
repetition found in movements, but also the repetition found in the location, the faces in class and knowing what to expect each time they
enter the dojo.

Blindness

The martial arts training at Lehigh Valley Martial arts can be adapted and taught to those students that have visual disabilities. The other
senses are utilized to overcome the visual impairment. Students that are blind or visually impaired learn through sensitivity drills and
tactile aids. They are taught body awareness using their hearing and touch.

As they progress, they learn concepts that keep them safe while developing skills that give them the advantage over sighted students.
Students that are blind or visually impaired, like those that are sighted, need to have the confidence that accompanies the knowledge
that they can protect themselves both mentally and physically. The technique taught at Lehigh Valley Martial Arts will help the blind
student be aware of their surroundings and have the confidence to travel in unfamiliar areas with confidence. Those who are blind or
visually impaired know how valuable this skill can be. There is no need to not participate in the martial arts because you are blind. We can help!

Inclusion & empowerment is our goal. Explain your situation and we'll work together